In the United States in 2016, more than one million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or narcotics, according to the CDC. It’s a remarkably common crime and could happen to anyone making a bad decision on the wrong night.
If you’ve found yourself facing a DUI charge, the first step is to seek out a DUI attorney. Make sure you protect yourself in the best way possible by finding the right lawyer for you. Here are three tips on finding the best DUI lawyer.
Be Honest About Your Circumstances
It’s common in these situations to want to put your head in the sand and ignore a stressful situation. If you do that, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice.
Make sure that you don’t leave finding a DUI lawyer to the last minute. Deciding in a rush will mean you won’t have access to all the information you need.
It’s also a bad idea to consider representing yourself. Although you are entitled to represent yourself, preparing for a trial is a complicated business during an already stressful time.
It’s far better to leave it to professionals and listen to the advice of those around you, without letting your pride get in the way. Be honest with yourself and others to get the best possible defence.
Make the Most of Free DUI Attorney Consultations
The next one of our DUI tips is to set up several free consultations with lawyers. Most lawyers will offer a free call or in-person meeting, where you can get to know them and ask questions about their approach.
Getting a DUI could land you up to a year in jail, depending on the circumstances. You have the right to a fair trial and the best defence available.
That’s why meeting with lawyers ahead of time is vital to make sure you trust them to give you a solid defence. Most lawyers’ websites will look much the same as the other, but you can really get a feel for their approach when speaking face-to-face.
Take Your Time Making a Decision
Finally, don’t make a decision in a rush. While everything might feel urgent right now, it’s also important to pick a lawyer that you have confidence in.
Take time to consider online reviews of their services, the size of the firm, and how well you get on with them personally. All of these factors will affect how well they will perform as a lawyer, so don’t rush into a decision that you’re not comfortable with.
Final Thoughts
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll have the best DUI attorney possible. Times like these are certainly stressful, so having the right person on your side is vital.
Browse the law section of our website for more tips and advice on legal defense. You never know when it might come in useful.